Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Burnaby
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in BC
Starting counselling with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is similar to driving. On a road trip, you encounter unexpected weather and rough patches, but instead of fighting them, you learn to accept and move forward. In ACT, you embrace your thoughts and feelings without trying to change them, adjusting your behaviour to align with your values. The goal isn’t to avoid discomfort; it’s to keep moving toward what matters, even in challenging moments. As you continue the journey, you gain resilience and clarity, driving home after your session feeling empowered and focused on what truly matters.
I am a registered clinical counsellor (#19428) trained in ACT to support individuals in accepting their thoughts and living their best lives.
Together, we explore how your thoughts and feelings surface and how they impact your life. In sessions, I incorporate ACT principles to empower and support you. ACT can help you understand and process your thoughts and feelings, which sometimes stem from past experiences such as unresolved childhood issues or trauma.
At Ease Counseling in Burnaby, I integrate ACT into in-person and online sessions for adults and youth. I focus on helping you improve your mental well-being and reach your goals.
What is ACT?
ACT is an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Russ Harris that helps individuals cultivate psychological flexibility by acknowledging and accepting their thoughts and emotions. ACT encourages individuals to shift their focus from controlling or avoiding distressing feelings to engaging in meaningful actions aligned with their values.
ACT is guided by the principle of observing thoughts as separate from oneself. It also encompasses acceptance, mindfulness, self-awareness, personal values, and engaging in committed actions. By integrating mindfulness and behaviour-change strategies, ACT helps individuals break free from unhelpful patterns and move toward a more fulfilling life.
The goal is not to eliminate difficult emotions but to learn how to live with them in a way that aligns with personal values and long-term well-being.
What are the benefits of ACT?
ACT is a versatile and effective approach for managing various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress. This therapeutic method emphasizes psychological flexibility, helping individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them, which can often exacerbate distress.
Some key benefits of ACT include:
- Greater emotional resilience and adaptability.
- Improved mindfulness and awareness of the present moment.
- Increased ability to manage distressing thoughts and emotions.
- Stronger connection to personal values and goals.
- Enhanced ability to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
By shifting the focus from avoidance to purposeful action, ACT empowers individuals to lead more fulfilling and value-driven lives.
Questions about ACT
- Who can benefit from ACT therapy?
ACT is effective for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, and life transitions. It is particularly beneficial for those struggling with negative thought patterns, emotional avoidance, or difficulty aligning their actions with personal values.
- Is ACT evidence-based?
ACT is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy that has proven effective for various mental health concerns. Developed by Dr. Russ Harris, it is widely used in clinical settings to foster long-term emotional resilience and lasting behavioural change.
- How does ACT differ from other types of therapy?
Unlike traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing negative thoughts, ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and emotions while committing to actions that align with their values. The goal is not to eliminate distress but to develop a healthier relationship with it.
- What techniques are used in ACT therapy?
ACT incorporates several key techniques, including:
- – Mindfulness practices to increase present-moment awareness.
- – Cognitive defusion helps individuals separate themselves from distressing thoughts.
- – Values clarification to identify personal priorities and meaningful goals.
- – Committed action to encourage behaviours that align with those values.
- Can ACT help with intrusive thoughts?
ACT can manage intrusive thoughts by helping individuals observe them without judgment instead of trying to suppress or control them. Using mindfulness and cognitive defusion techniques, ACT reduces the impact of intrusive thoughts and encourages actions aligned with personal values.
- How long does ACT therapy typically take?
The duration of ACT therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients find short-term therapy helpful for learning key skills, while others benefit from longer-term support to reinforce lasting behavioural changes. You determine how many sessions are right for you, and I can support you with this decision.
Why choose At Ease Counselling for ACT?
- Client-driven approach
At Ease Counselling sessions focus on meeting you where you are and working at your pace alongside you with compassion, kindness, and curiosity in Burnaby and online.
- Evidence-based modalities
At Ease Counselling services, I incorporate evidence-based modalities in every session. I am trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Each of these modalities equips me to support your unique needs, and we work together to achieve your counselling goals.
- Anti-oppressive practice
At Ease Counselling understands the impact of inequality and oppression when supporting you in a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive space in Burnaby and online. People from all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+, are welcome.
ACT in Burnaby provides a supportive space to help you navigate life’s challenges and align your actions with your values. I’m here to guide you on your journey toward self-acceptance and growth.
Finding the right counsellor is an important step. Book a free 15-minute consultation to determine whether ACT is right for you.